Over the past 30 years Motivational Interviewing (MI) has evolved as one of the primary tools implemented by clinicians to facilitate client-centered engagement and behavior change. MI is an evidence-based approach to treatment which has been applied with individuals pursuing change around their substance use and other health-related behaviors. While many clinicians are familiar with the core elements and skills associated with MI, they rarely can enhance these skills by practicing them under direct observation and receiving on-the-spot feedback. This training will introduce attendees to the fundamental aspects of MI and coach them on clinical skills. In addition to some didactic material, this training will focus on experiential learning that provides time for direct practice of the core MI skills and application of the MI spirit.

Who should attend?This workshop is designed for clinicians, clinical supervisors, program managers, prevention agencies, community coalitions and executives in substance abuse and mental health agencies, Managing Entities and DCF program staff.

Presented by:Susie Kowalsky, MA, LCPC is the Co-Owner/Founder of Roots Counseling & Training Solutions. For more than a decade, Susie has been serving vulnerable communities through direct clinical services as well as by delivering training and consultation to service providers. Susie is the Team Leader for Thresholds Substance Use Treatment program, where she provides therapy services and supervises a team of counselors and peer recovery support specialists. Susie serves as a consultant at University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration, providing a training series on Trauma-Informed Care to Master’s level students. She provides consultation, presentations, and trainings on evidence-based applications of Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, and Trauma-informed Care at local, state, and national forums throughout the country.

James Kowalsky, since 2013, James has been providing training and support to organizations adapting their practices to incorporate Harm Reduction, Housing First, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma-Informed Care. James is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT). He volunteers at the Chicago Recovery Alliance and is a designated Super Trainer within their Drug Overdose Prevention Program. In this role,
James trains individuals and agencies on Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution (OEND), increasing access to naloxone, the opioid overdose antidote. Previously, James worked for Heartland Health Outreach (HHO). As the Project Coordinator at HHO, he collaborated on a NIDA-funded study to assess the impact of using e-learning platforms to train service providers in programs using the Housing First Model. James also spent seven years as an outreach worker with HHO, meeting people experiencing homelessness and linking them to housing, primary and mental health care, and other community-based resources. In that role, he learned the value of using Harm Reduction and Motivational Interviewing to connect with the most vulnerable members of our communities. James has presented on his work at regional and national conferences. He is committed to promoting a shift in public policy and service delivery that is characterized by acceptance and support for marginalized communities including people who use drugs, have a mental illness, or experience homelessness.